xoxo.

x

Two months later.

He lies awake in bed, arms wrapped loosely around a sleeping Olivia, watching some old school movie while periodically glancing at sun rising through the window. The joy he feels is unlike anything he's ever experienced and for that he's grateful. Knowing that Olivia is pregnant, he's been waking up earlier on the off chance that she may need him although she's not even showing yet. He's just excited to start this new chapter of their lives together.

There's something so profound about the way life for them has turned out. Two people on two very different courses, meeting at a crossroads and realizing that their love is much stronger than they originally thought. All the doubts and fears that were constantly looming over them have now become nothing more than a speckle of dust floating away into the night to never be seen again. So, so riveting and so very fitting for both himself and Olivia.

With a buoyant smile gracing his features, he glances down at her, planting a kiss soft enough not to wake her upon her temple, gently rubbing her arm. She feels good, warm. The scent of rose oil and cinnamon radiating from her skin and hair. A scent he's very much addicted to. This is something he can get used to. The both of them in Vermont, still keeping their respective careers, filling the house with tons of children or as many as she'll allow.

He can picture it now and the best part is . . . it's not a dream.

She begins to stir in his arms, her soft hand moving to his chest, fingers moving through the fine hair upon it as she buries her face against his neck. She's awake, however, this is her way of showing her playful side. By pretending to be sleep and him acting as if she is. Some weird yet cute thing they started doing about a month ago that they can't seem to shake because it makes them happy and brings softness to their mornings.

They lay in silence, both with smiles gracing their features as they wait to see who's going to crack first. Normally it's Fitz with his constant snickering, but this time it's Olivia who bursts into laughter which makes him laugh as well. They spend a good minute laughing, still in disbelief that they do this every morning, but they don't regret it. They know they're going to be that weird couple everyone loves but hates at the same time.

Worth it.

With a swift motion, Fitz rolls on top of Olivia, coaxing her legs around his waist, pressing himself against her, pulling a soft moan from her lips as she wraps her arms around his neck, fingers running through the hair along the nape of his neck, his morning wood prodding her in her stomach. However, there's no desire to have sex, just a desire to be close. With a tender smile gracing his features, he leans in, planting a kiss upon her lips.

"Good morning, Ms. Pope."

"Mmm, good morning, Mr. Grant." She smiles, hands rubbing down his back. "How are you?"

"Never better." He kisses her once more. "How are you?"

"I'm good. Ready to see what the day brings us. Any new cases?"

"Hey! No work talks in bed."

She chuckles. "I'm sorry. I forgot. Let me try again." She clears her throat, cupping his face in her hands. "What's for breakfast?"

"That's more like it." He chuckles. "I was thinking pancakes and bacon. I know you're not a fan of eggs currently."

"Absolutely not. My body won't allow me to digest them." She snickers. "Pancakes and bacon, it is. And make sure it's extra crispy."

"Coming right up, my lady." He kisses her one last time before slipping out of bed and into his pajama pants. "You'll be okay here?"

"I'll be fine." She grabs a pillow and tosses it at him, hitting him. "You got start breakfast and I'll be out in a little while. Give you a chance to get started without my assistance."

"Are you saying I can't cook?" He reaches down, picking up the pillow and tossing it back at her, hitting her. "If so . . . I'll have to punish you later."

"That's exactly what I'm saying." She teases, gaze wandering over him. He stands tall, his muscles contracting ever so slightly just by doing nothing, his curls now grown out and not to mention, the grown-out stubble upon his face. He's something like a modern-day Adonis and he is enticing, making her legs weak and her inner parts tingle.

"Now, go! Chop, chop!"

He bursts into a soft laugh, as does she. "Wait till I'm done, you are going to get it, woman."

"Good. I'll be expecting you to give me your all."

And with that he leaves the room and proceeds to the kitchen, an exuberant smile gracing his features as he begins to rummage through the cabinets to find the pancake mix. Grabbing the box from the cabinet above the refrigerator and the bacon from inside, he sets the items on the counter and grabs two pans from the island cabinet, setting them on the stove.

He taps his fingers against the marble surface as he contemplates what to do next only to be interrupted by his cellphone ringing. With a soft sigh, he makes his way to the end of the counter, grabbing his cellphone and answering it.

"Cyrus, hey." He begins to walk around the kitchen. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything is perfect, sir." He assures, a hint of excitement in his voice. "We're handling the clients with ease, getting the Grant Foundation more press. Everything is looking up for us. How's everything in Vermont?"

"That's good. Keep up the good work." He smiles. "And things here are better than I could ever imagine."

"That's good, sir. How is Liv doing? Staying busy I'm assuming."

"You know her." He chuckles. "She's not going to stop working until the doctor orders her to."

Cyrus chuckles. "Her vigor really amazes me. Speaking of vigor, when are you two returning to D.C.? We could use the assistance here."

"Well, it's been two months and I doubt we're going to stay any longer considering I have a foundation to return to and Liv has QPA. Just like you there are people in need and I'm ready to change the world."

"Good. I'll inform Abby and Marcus on your return."

"Abby and Marcus? That's it? Where's Ryan and Danny? I thought they would be there before me if I'm being quite honest."

"You know those two lovebirds are traveling the world enjoying each other's company at the moment." He chuckles. "They make me sick in the best way possible. I can reach out if you'd like . . . tell them that you need them back."

"No. Let them enjoy themselves." He laughs, proceeding to the cabinets, opening it and grabbing out a mixing bowl, setting it on the counter. "If they're needed, we'll get in contact with them. Until then, we need to start figuring out the next steps for the foundation."

"Would you mind elaborating?"

"We need to get more people on our side that are dedicated to the same cause as we are." He tucks the phone between his shoulder and ear, grabbing the pancake mix and pouring what's left into the bowl.

"That way you three aren't driving yourselves crazy trying to handle everything and on top of that, with the foundation expanded, becoming a focal point for other cities, we could use the extra help."

"Okay, so what do you suggest? Should I start making some calls, setting up some meetings for potential candidates?"

"I think we should wait on that until we're all back in D.C. that way we can feel them out in person as well as Ryan and Danny. Let's start by taking on cases that hit home for these communities. Not just the ones that bring us good press."

Fitz can hear shuffling over the phone as Cyrus gathers the folder of cases tucked inside his desk drawer, drawing a chuckle from Fitz.

"Anything good?" He asks as he adds water to the bowl, grabbing a whisk from the dishpan.

"Yes actually. Teenagers of color have been protesting against the public-school systems for almost a month now because of racial misconduct."

"And why haven't we taken this on?"

"We've been swamped with so many different cases that it must've gotten lost in the bunch. I'm sorry, sir."

"Don't apologize. I'll get the word out while I'm here in Vermont. Get the people talking about it again. Once my announcement is made, you need to drag Ryan and Danny from paradise because we're going to need all the help we can get."

"Right away, sir. Anything else?"

"Yeah." He smiles. "Thank you for sticking around."

Cyrus chuckles. "As if you could get rid of me."

The call ends and Fitz tosses his phone aside on the counter, a warm smile gracing his features. That soon turns to worry for Olivia still hasn't come into the kitchen. Moving the bowl to the island, he then proceeds to the bedroom.

"Liv." He calls out. "Is everything okay?"

No answer.

Upon reaching the bedroom, he immediately sees her curled up against the toilet, clenching her stomach as her soft cries pierce his heart making him rush to her, kneeling, taking her face into his hands.

"What's wrong? Liv? Tell me what's wrong, are you hurt?" He asks, finding her current state disquieting. "Where are you hurt?"

He can see she's in pain and trying to do her best to manage it, to remain strong for him, but is failing completely. However, she doesn't shy away from telling him what's wrong.

"I went to use the bathroom and found myself in so much pain. I've experienced cramps like never before and I . . . I've been bleeding abnormally. A little too much for someone who's only two months pregnant and I'm afraid, Fitz. I don't want anything bad to—"

His heart stops for a moment, but he doesn't falter wanting to step up for her in this time of need. She told him the truth and now it's time for action.

"Let's get you to the hospital."

X

QPA is officially back and better than ever. More clientele, more exposure. It's a dream come true. No longer hidden in the shadows it's become a staple for people who need assistance. They play by the rules and assure that once you become a client, you have their best interest at heart. Works like a charm. Not to mention, they always back up their words with unyielding action.

Aside from them doing what needs to be done to assist the American people that can't afford such extremities from higher end firms, they've even worked side by side with the Grant Foundation which has been burning up the streets and airwaves with all the good deeds they've done. Just like QPA, the Grant Foundation has found its placing and has even opened other firms in other states.

Talk about power moves.

Irrelevant chatter fills the elevator as Marcus, Huck and Quinn make their way up to the office. They didn't have any clients today, so they plan to use this off day to come up with some more strategies and plans for when business starts booming again, but little do they know, they're in for a few surprises. One unlikely, one a possible dream come true that could further their growth or her growth so to speak.

The elevator finally reaches the floor, the doors open and one by one they walk off only to be caught off guard by Charlie standing in front of the conference room doors. Perplexity hits the group as they stop in their tracks, gaze narrowed fixating on Charlie and then Huck and Marcus shifting their gaze to Quinn. She hasn't seen him since Olivia broke them apart and she wasn't sure if he still existed.

"Charlie?" She questions, disbelief prevalent in her voice as she approaches him. "What are you – when did you? Hi." She chuckles, walking into his arms, resting her forehead against his chest as he hugs her tightly. "I didn't think I would see you again."

"I stayed hidden because I was afraid of what Oliva would do to me if I went against her at the time." He admits, peppering her head in kisses. "However, I decided that I couldn't be apart from you any longer and she was the one who called me and told me to come here a few weeks ago but I figured I'd wait a while until I was settled in. Speaking of Olivia, where is she?"

"She's working from Vermont. Don't ask. It's a long story. She'll be back soon." She chuckles. "Anyways, I'm glad you're back." She says in a whisper. "Life has been good, but it's always been better having you around."

"That we can agree on." He murmurs against her head, lifting his gaze to Huck and Marcus who nod imperceptibly as they make their way to the conference room, patting Charlie's shoulder as they pass him by. "Oh, Mellie is in there."

Everyone turns their attention to Charlie. He can see the irritation upon their faces which makes him instantly regret informing them, although at the same time he didn't want them to be blindsided.

"Why is she here?" Marcus asks, jaw clenching.

"Hell, if I know." He shrugs. "She is the last person I want to deal with. Did you know she wanted me to run B613 for her in hopes of taking Ryan and Oliva down?"

Marcus glances over at Huck, then Quinn and Charlie. He's fuming. Just when he thought he would be able to see her again this information drops like an anvil leaving him even more conflicted than he once was. But it's clear now. And although none of them were aware of this action Charlie turned down, what's done in the dark always comes to the light.

"I'll handle it." Marcus assures, voice unwavering as he makes way into the conference room with Huck following suit.

"Do you think this is a good idea, Marcus?" Huck asks in a whisper, bringing Marcus to a stop. "Our job is to help people. What if she's here because she needs help?"

Marcus spins around to face him. "I know you're trying to be the bigger person and do the right thing, but this isn't one of those cases, Huck." He places a hand upon Huck's shoulder. "I commend your growth. It's inspiring. But I can't allow someone that I love to think that their actions will go unchecked especially by a brother like me." He turns and walks away, Huck still following behind.

The conference room is empty, but he can hear shuffling coming from the office and wastes no time in making his way inside, attracting her attention. She looks better, hair up in a messy bun, sporting a business casual look that accentuates her frame. Much better than where she was at a few months ago, but this doesn't please Marcus. The sight of her no longer moves him.

"Marcus, Huck." She straightens out her royal blue blazer. "It's nice to—"

"Is it true you asked Charlie to run B613 in hopes of taking down Olivia and Ryan a few months ago?"

The question catches her off guard, but she stands her ground.

"Yes." She answers. "I did ask Charlie and he declined, but I'm not that person anymore, Marcus. I have changed drastically over these past few months and all I want is for you to forgive me."

Huck glances over at Marcus and then Mellie. He can see it from both sides. Marcus is right to feel a way because he loves her and wants her to come to terms with her ignorance which she has yet to do and Mellie is trying to take a new path of life, the same path Olivia took in order for her to get to where she's currently at. It's a tough position to be in and not because him and Mellie are friends but because everyone is deserving of a redemption, but he's also good friends with Marcus and doesn't want to interject at this moment, so he remains quiet.

"How can I forgive you when you've done nothing but show ignorance the entire time?" He retorts. "I stood up for you against Ryan and Oliva the moment they released all your dirty laundry to the public to end up looking stupid because what was put out into the universe was true. The Mellie I know, the Mellie I love would never stoop so low and the fact that you even asked Charlie to ruin two people, two people of color who have worked their asses off to make a name for themselves all because you got caught . . ." He shakes his head. "I can't forgive that because as a man of color . . . I wouldn't put it past you to do the same to me."

"Marcus, please." She begs, stepping towards him and in reaction he steps back. "I need you to forgive me."

"I'm not at the point of forgiveness!" He exclaims, walking over to the office door, opening it. "You need to leave. Now."

X

On the island of Bird Cay in the Bahamas, the warming breeze blowing through his hair, Ryan sits underneath the cabana on a round, tangerine daybed just outside of the room wearing nothing but a pair of white Gucci logo-stripe swim shorts and brown oversized square acetate sunglasses from the same designer, sipping from his piña colada cocktail as he watches Danny enjoy the clear blue water. Not really his forte, but he couldn't deny how convivial his fiancé looks.

Since their engagement, they've been travelling a lot, leaving work in the dust momentarily and only focusing on building the growing foundation for their relationship. Paris, Rome, London, Bora Bora, Barcelona, Dubai and of course the Bahamas. All places they've been to within the past two months and they planned on continuing their travelling for they're just getting started. That is until they're needed at the foundation or QPA whenever an urgent, unavoidable matter arises.

A warm smile graces his features, the corner of his lip tucked between his teeth as he watches Danny slowly approach him from the ocean, water dripping off his chiseled frame glistening under the Bahamian sun as he runs a hand through his hair, a beatific grin forming upon his features. Luck is something he never believed in, but damn he's lucky to have met and fallen in love with someone like Danny. There's no greater feeling than being with the person he loves more than anything.

And same can be said for Danny who is more than grateful to have spent so much time with his fiancé. This entire relationship for him has been nothing but goodness, a goodness that he's been missing in his life which he cherishes every single day. There's no competition, no doubts lingering within him or looming over him. The choice he made is clear and will remain clear for Ryan is the love of his life. He couldn't be happier.

"Why don't you come and join me in the water." He says, crawling onto the bed, mounting Ryan, planting a kiss upon his lips. "It's not cold and you don't have to go all the way in."

Ryan chuckles, setting his drink down and cupping Danny's face in his hands.

"You're lucky, but not that lucky."

Danny sucks his teeth, pressing his weight onto Ryan, coaxing his legs around his waist.

"Come on, babe. We're on vacation. I know you're enjoying yourself, but swimming is like a pivotal part of coming to the Bahamas." He chuckles, pointing out to the ocean in which Ryan gazes out to. "I mean look how beautiful the water is . . . and that view. You only get to experience this place once with this being your first time here."

"Tempting." He moves his hands to Danny's back, gaze fixating upon his grey hues. "They say relationships are about compromise, so is me getting in the water something you really want?"

"Yes." He smiles warmly, hands wrapping loosely around Ryan's neck as he peppers his lips in soft kisses. "I just want you to experience the beauty of every place we travel to in full."

Ryan smiles. "You really have this live in the moment thing down pact. I like it."

Danny chuckles. "So, does that mean you'll get in the water with me?"

"That's exactly what that means." He playfully pushes Danny off him, moving to his feet and removing his sunglasses. "Last one in is a-"

"Excuse me, sir." The young bartender carrying a tray with two drinks atop of it attracts both Danny and Ryan's attention. "These have been gifted to you by the only man at the bar currently. Says they're a thank you gift."

Danny moves to his feet and over to Ryan, confusion etched upon his face as he turns his attention to the bar as does Ryan. They immediately notice the master manipulator himself sitting alone.

"Is that?"

Ryan sighs, folding his arms across his chest. "Eli Pope."

X

"Cyrus." Abby says, entering his office holding a dozen roses in her hands, kicking the door closed behind her before making her way to his desk, setting the flowers atop of it. "Would you mind telling me why Fitz's old secret serviceman Tom is sending you flowers. It's been like this for the past couple of months. Are you seeing him?"

"The answer is yes, Red." He lifts his head, fixating his gaze upon her, setting his pen to the side as he takes the small note from the flowers, reading it. "Tom and I are lovers and he assures that I'll be very happy."

"I'm shocked." She takes a seat in the chair at the front of his desk, crossing her legs. "Not because I don't think you aren't capable of finding a decent guy. I just didn't expect it to be him."

"You of all people should know to expect the unexpected." He smiles, cheeks flushed with red as he tucks the card into his blazer pocket. He can feel her gaze burning a hole through him, so he leans back and heaves a soft sigh. "What do you want to know?"

She leans over the desk, eager. "How did you two connect? Are you the top or the bottom? How is he holding up now that he no longer works for Fitz? Do you think he can be the one? And when the hell were you going to tell me?"

He chuckles at her questions. "It's been happening since the White House. I just didn't want to jinx it, so I kept it a secret. We take turns driving the car. He's doing good. He teaches self-defense classes here in D.C. and before you ask, yes, he does still communicate with Fitz from time to time. I do think he can be the one seeing as we've been going steady for almost a year now and I was going to tell you when you asked."

Bewilderment spreads across her features. She's still in awe, but she is happy for him. Out of all people, Cyrus is one that deserves a happy ending and she will support him until she can't anymore. Or until he gets tired of her.

"I'm happy for you." She smiles. "You have this glow about you. Not to mention, you haven't been yelling and screaming which lets me know that you're happy in that area, too."

"Oh, I am more than happy." He laughs, as does she. "What about you? How are you and David doing? Still going strong?"

"Yes." She folds her arms across her chest, a warm smile upon her features. "Ever since Vermont, he's been more attentive and open both in general and in the bedroom. I was worried that we would meet some irrefutable end, but he turned it around drastically, as did I."

"Marriage in the cards? Or, are you two just going with the flow?"

"As much as I want that . . . there's a part of me that doesn't. Marriage is a scary thing considering how my last one ended."

"You know David isn't Charles and he will never be." He assures, voice unwavering. "That man loves every bone in your body and would do nothing to put you in harm's way. Charles was a bitch who felt the need to abuse his power. David is more of a man than him and he's your man." He smiles. "You don't have to rush to marry him, but don't push it off the table."

"You're right." She nods, exhaling deeply. "Moving along. Any new clientele?"

"Yes, there's this case Fitz wants us on. Teenagers of color protesting against the public-school systems for racial misconduct, so I'm waiting for Marcus to return from QPA so we can brainstorm how to attack this before Fitz makes an announcement." He leans back against his chair. "We've been doing extremely well without Fitz, Ryan and Danny. Getting everything done on our own. Feels good."

"Fitz trusted the right people, although, I do miss them." She chuckles. "There's a loneliness looming over this place. Probably because we used to see them all the time to only seeing them over FaceTime. Barely."

"What do you expect? Both couples got engaged the same day and immediately took their honeymoon period. Still, I'm perplexed by the fact that we haven't seen them. Olivia, expected. She doesn't work here, but Fitz, Ryan and Danny . . . unexpected." He chuckles. "But I'm not complaining. I can't blame them for wanting to take a break. Especially with both couples wanting to take the time to build as couples."

Abby smiles at the mention of both couples taking the necessary time to be with one another. That's exceedingly important and one of if not the biggest step anyone can take to establish a strong foundation.

"Exactly, but we know the moment they return we'll be back to regularly scheduled programming."

"I—"

Before Cyrus can speak, Jonah; Mellie's ex-assistant and Cyrus's current one until Ryan returns, knocks on the door and enters the office, attracting both Abby and Cyrus's attention.

"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Beene and Ms. Whelan, but Mellie Grant is here to see you."

Cyrus and Abby glance around each other. By the indifference etched upon their faces they could both realized they felt the same way. They wanted nothing to do with Mellie. Business is going good, everything is looking up and the last thing they need is a roadblock, especially one by the name of Mellie. However, after a silent conversation using their eyes, both Cyrus and Abby decide to allow her in.

"Send her in." Cyrus says.

"Right away, sir." Jonah nods imperceptibly, proceeding out of the office and informing Mellie that it's okay for her to go in.

"What the hell could she possibly want?" Abby asks in a whisper. "After her stunt, I didn't think she'd show her face."

Cyrus huffs. "That's how this place works. Everyone at the top will eventual fall and if she's here that means she fell hard." A bright yet fake smile spreads across his features when Mellie enters the office. "Mellie, how can we at the Grant Foundation help you today?"

Mellie's on edge. Embarrassed to give her reasoning for showing up knowing no one wants anything to do with her, but she didn't have anywhere else to go. No one would see her or take her seriously after that stunt she pulled.

With the clearing of her throat, she straightened up her blazer and held her head eye although her eyes showed her brokenness, heaving a deep sigh.

"There's an illegal sextape of me going around and I didn't give anyone the permission to record let alone upload it anywhere, so, can you help?"

Abby glances over at Cyrus, mouth agape with incredulity as he runs a hand through his hair.

"Talk about rock bottom." He quips.

X

"I'm so sorry for your loss. If you need anything . . . I'm here for you." Dr. Leeway says with the most sincerity. "I'll give you two some alone time."

As she exits the hospital room, a defeated Fitz and Olivia sit in silence, tears flowing down their cheeks as they attempt to process the news. After a hCG blood test, an ultrasound, fetal heart scanning, and a pelvic exam, the child they wanted more than anything in the world, the child they conceived out of love for each other is no more.

Everything that was leading up to this moment has now become nothing more than a shattered dream. A dream that would've changed their lives forever. It wasn't just Fitz wanting this, both hands in. Olivia wanted this, too. That says a thousand words because for once, she didn't run nor did she falter under the pressure of influence.

Now, it's as if they took an irrevocable step that leads to nowhere.

With their silent cries mixing, Fitz takes Olivia's hand in his own, bringing it to his mouth, plant a soft kiss upon it. He can't even imagine how hard this is for her seeing as she was the one carrying it. The one experiencing every second of the life that was growing inside of her. There's no greater suffering and he can feel it.

She tugs his hand gently, motioning him to lie down next to her on the hospital bed in which he does, resting his head on her chest, placing his hand on her stomach. He can hear the shards of her broken heart running amok and it brings him much affliction. With her free hand, she places it upon his head and the gesture makes him break.

Burying his face against her, he begins to sob uncontrollably, holding her as tight as he can. This triggers a chain reaction making Olivia sob too, resting her chin upon his head. She didn't expect this to happen. She didn't expect the life she wanted to be altered so fast by means that are out of her and Fitz's power and control.

It's as gut wrenching as it is heartbreaking.

The couple takes this time to grieve, to share this heart-rending moment without saying a word for there's nothing to say presently. This inexplicable loss is a loss that will take time to heal, time to mend their minds, bodies, hearts and souls for this is a roadblock neither of could have ever been prepared for in the slightest bit.

Rest in peace Delilah Carolyn Pope-Grant.

X

"What a pleasant surprise." Danny says, approaching the bar alongside Ryan. "Eli Pope gracing the Bahamas with his presence. To whom do we owe the pleasure?"

Eli chuckles, taking a sip of his drink. "No need to be sarcastic. I only sent the drinks because I saw you two over there and decided to do something nice."

"There isn't a nice bone anywhere in your body." Ryan retorts, folding his arms across his chest. "You sent those drinks because you want something. We know how this works. You make a gesture, then a proposition and then a decision. There's no grey area."

Eli huffs. "Your mother taught you much about me."

"She wouldn't waste her time. You're just easy to read."

"Which leads me to this: why are you here, Eli?" Danny asks, voice unwavering. "Because the last thing I need is for you to come here to stir up some shit that'll ruin Ryan and I's good time."

"As if this man can ruin anything we have going on." Ryan chuckles. "Happiness is something he can't manipulate his way into. When this conversation is over, we're going to go back to our happy existence while he remains empty and miserable, because everyone he claims to love left."

The remark doesn't sit well with Eli, angering him almost instantly as he slams his glass down on the counter, moving to his feet and approaching Ryan, although, he didn't get too close due to Danny stepping in front of him.

"Imagine how afraid you'd be without your bodyguard here to protect you." Eli sneers, inhaling and exhaling heavily. "You have so much mouth when you don't know anything!"

"Right, because poor Eli is so innocent and it's everyone around him that's to blame." Ryan chuckles, giving Danny the okay to move aside. "Number one, you and I both know that I'm not afraid of you considering majority of our run ins have been one on one. Number two, my fiancé just happens to care about me enough to not let anything or anyone approach me in a way that's not civil, so attempting to use that as a drag is beneath you. Number three, I know all too well that you throw rocks and hide your hands when it's convenient. So, if you want to talk about fear, again, almost a year later know that it is you who's still afraid of me which leads me to this: why are you here?"

"Because I want my daughter back!" He yells, attracting attention from people passing. "I want you to work your magic and tell Olivia that I have changed."

"And why would he do that?" Danny asks, brows furrowed. "Just a moment ago you had all the bark in the world."

"Not to mention, Olivia is happy, pregnant, working and stress free." Ryan states further. "Enjoying her time away from your toxicity."

"Just tell her." Eli says, voice wavering as he moves to sit back at the bar, signaling the bartender for a refill. Hearing about her happiness makes him sick to his stomach due to him no longer being a part of her life like he once was.

She blocked any and all communication from him, discontinued b613 so he can no longer keep tabs on her, and he deserves it. He only knows what he knows because of the news. Everyone's favorite fixer keeping warm in Vermont with beau Fitzgerald Grant.

So . . . fitting.

"Or else what?" Ryan questions.

"Or else, I will do something we'll all come to regret." A somewhat convincing lie. "That child that's growing inside of her won't live to see another day if you don't do what I ask of you."

Simultaneously, Ryan and Danny glance at one another, then at Eli before bursting into laughter bring a scowl to Eli's face. Is he serious?

"The fact that you're even thinking of harming a child tells us all we need to know." Ryan shakes his head in disgust and disappointment.

"But the thing is, Ry. He won't do it." Danny assures and he's correct. "Because he knows that the moment he even attempts to do some bullshit like that he'll lose Olivia forever, not saying that he already hasn't."

Ryan nods in agreement. "That, and the simple fact that by blood he'll still be grandfather."

"And you wouldn't want to ruin your chances of that now would you Eli?" Danny asks, wrapping an arm around Ryan's waist.

"No." He murmurs, downing his refilled drink within seconds. Talk about a backfire.

"And there you have it." Ryan says with a smile. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a vacation to finish. You on the other hand should take the time and get your life together because as long as you're exhibiting this disturbingly disgusting behavior, that's also kind if stalkerish, all that you love will remain lost." He says, voice unwavering as him and Danny proceed to the water. "Take care, Eli."

X

Back home in Vermont, Olivia and Fitz sit side by side on the couch in the front of the crackling fireplace, her head resting upon his shoulder and his arm wrapped around her. They still haven't spoken a word not knowing what to say just yet, but more importantly, they're here for each other. This wasn't supposed to be how their last day was spent and now they have to figure out what to do and how to move forward.

"I'm sorry." He murmurs. "I am so sorry this happened, Liv. If I—"

"It's not your fault. It's neither of our faults. So, don't you apologize when you've done nothing but give me the best two months I've had in a long time."

He hears and feels her words. "I just wish there was something I could do."

"In this case there isn't. This was a matter that was out of our hands and I'm going to tell you what you told me once." She heaves a soft sigh. "You can't fix everything."

She's right. He knows this. "I know. I just . . . I wasn't ready to say goodbye."

Tears begin to well in her eyes. "Neither was I. I wanted this more than anything in the world. To be a mom, to be a wife, your wife. And now—"

"It's all a blur."

"It is." Her voice breaks, making him hold her tighter, planting a kiss upon her head. "And I don't know what to do or what we should do."

Silence ensues. At the moment, there's too much pain and hurt and although it hasn't been said, it kills the both of them to be in each other's space because right now it's a constant reminder of the loss that shook them both to their cores which will only lead to one thing and one thing only: a irrefutable end.

And that's something either of them want.

"I think we should take some time apart." Fitz suggests causing Olivia to lift her head to gaze at him, bewilderment etched into her features, but he continues. "And not because I don't love you or you don't love me, but because we need to heal. To get past this because it affected us differently. You were carrying our child. That hurts differently than me simply wanting this more than I could ever imagine."

She gets what he's saying. "Still hurts the same, but I agree. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. That I do want and that I do know, but not like this. Not when we're both hurting because that will only lead to a road we worked so hard to get from."

Bingo. The last thing they want to do is express their pain in a way that could hurt one another. There would be no coming back from that. Ever. But here is an idea so plausible that it would allow them to take a walk on a lone road while remaining connected.

"I'm surprised you agree."

"It makes the most sense to me right now." She musters up a small smile which makes him smile. "So, what are the rules?"

"No sleeping with other people." A joke that makes her chuckle. He knows she's one hundred percent for him and vice versa. "Just doing our best to remain friends. That's what we need right now. So that we can grow and come back even better."

"I can do that." She assures. "We'll be the best of friends. And what about work? Can those two lines cross?"

"Of course. I would love if you came to the foundation and helped us out and vice versa. Besides, you're the smartest woman I know." He smiles, squeezing her gently.

"And who's the smartest man you know?" She asks, wrapping her arms around him.

"You really wanna know the answer to that?" He raises a brow.

"I did ask the question."

"See what I mean?"

She playfully pinches his side making him squirm.

"The smartest man I know is your goddamn brother." He chuckles. "I don't know how you both do it but don't ever stop."

"You don't have to tell us twice."

Her words make him laugh a genuine laugh.

"So, how should we do this? Do I leave first or you?"

"That's a bit dramatic. We can leave together. Go our respective ways once we hit D.C. although I'm sure we'll see one another sooner rather than later."

"Okay. And the rings? What do we do with them?"

"Wear them of course. We're still together just not together meaning, you're mine and I'm yours."

"Okay. And last question. On the off chance that I don't get to see you . . . how will I?"

A warm smile graces her features. "I'll leave a light on."